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| Photo by Chris Windle |
U.S. tour
Duran Duran performed a string of shows as a full band in the spring, but as summer rolled on, Duran announced that Nick Rhodes would be leaving the U.S. tour due to a family emergency. I had tickets for the shows in St. Paul and Kansas City, and it was strange seeing the band live for the first time without Nick ... ever.Though Nick was missed, MNDR ably stepped into his formidable shoes. The band shined in Minnesota and sweltered through the show in Missouri. The tributes were a highlight in a well-worn set list. Duran added a bit of "Little Red Corvette" to "Save a Prayer" and "Space Oddity" to "Planet Earth," honoring two musical icons lost during 2016.
Duran takes a stand
During the spring, the members of Duran found themselves in the center of a political firestorm as they were set to play a show in Charlotte, North Carolina. The state had just passed legislation against gay and transgender rights. Among its provisions, the law would force transgender people to use public restrooms of their biological sex.At a time when acts were canceling concerts in the state, Duran elected to perform the show and ended up winning praise from media outlets like Pitchfork for the move. Duran began its encore in front of an American flag on the screen above, then it changed to a rainbow flag. The band members signed a petition against the state's legislation on stage, then played "Save a Prayer," a song once dedicated live to the victims of the Paris terror attacks. But now, it was a rallying cry against discrimination.
Award season
Duran added another honor to its arsenal in 2016: the ASCAP UK Golden Note Award. While being lauded by some for its songwriting, Duran continues to be overlooked by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Still, there may be a glimmer of hope, as the hall is adding other bands that were once passed over at a brisk pace. Also in 2016, Depeche Mode, a band often mentioned in the same breath as Duran when it comes to overlooked yet iconic '80s groups, garnered its first nomination."Sing Street"
The movie wasn't Duran's, but the impact it could have on the band's career into the future may be immeasurable. The film is set in the 1980s, and the young characters performed songs that were just a little bit inspired by Duran. It is easily one of the best films to feature prominent references to Duran. At one point, the main character's older brother says, "John Taylor is one of the most proficient bass players in the U.K. at the moment."The movie is downright heartwarming. I hadn't heard the word "futurists" bandied about so many times since Nick was interviewed in the early '80s. And there's a YouTube video out there with clips of the film set to one of my favorite Duran songs, "Last Chance on the Stairway." It's the best video for that song that Duran never made. While the film caters to '80s nostalgists, there are bound to be younger viewers tuning in, and perhaps becoming the next generation of Duranies.
